Hot Button: Back-to-back homers have Braves one game from title ... Undefeated SMU loses on kick return ... Mathieu apologizes to 'toxic' Chiefs fans

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BRAVES WIN ANOTHER CLOSE
GAME, ONE FROM SERIES TITLE

Saturday October 30: Dansby Swanson and Jorge Soler hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the seventh inning Saturday night, erasing a 2-1 deficit en route to a 3-2 Braves win over the Astros at Truist Park in Atlanta, taking a three games to one lead in the World Series. The Braves are now one game away from winning its first World Series since 1995.

The Astros built a 2-0 lead on a first inning RBI groundout and a Jose Altuve 434-foot solo homer in the top of the fourth inning. Zach Greinke pitched four shutout innings, but Houston's bullpen faltered for the first time in the series. Cristian Javier, the winning pitcher in Game 2, got a strikeout to open the bottom of the seventh, then went 0-2 on Swanson, but Atlanta's shortstop drove the next pitch opposite field to tie it up. Soler then worked a 2-1 count and lined a hanging breaking ball over the left field fence for the game-winner. Will Smith pitched a one-two-three ninth to earn his second save in as many days.

Game 5 is Sunday night in Atlanta.

My take: Another very good game after two blowouts to start the series — well pitched, good defense and timely hitting. Lots of drama for the second consecutive game. I won't shed a tear if the Braves close it out Sunday. — Bob

HOUSTON UPSETS SMU ON
LATE KICK RETURN TD

Saturday, October 30: It was a bad day for ranked FBS teams as nine Top 25 squads lost, a continuing trend in a parity-filled 2021 season. None, however, lost quite like No. 19 SMU, which tied their game with Houston with 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Then they kicked off:

My take: Only two of the nine losses by Top 25 teams Saturday came at the hands of ranked opponents. The top 10, however, held steady, save for Iowa being upset at Wisconsin. The CFP will be comprised of these teams. — Bob

MATHIEU WALKS BACK
SOCIAL MEDIA CRITICISM

Saturday, October 30: Turns out honey badger does "give a f**k." Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu apologized on social media Saturday after using Instagram earlier in the day to call Chiefs fans "one of the most toxic fan bases in all of sports." Mathieu said the post was made out of frustration at his own play this season, as one of the preseason conference favorites are off to a 3-4 start. 

Mathieu originally posted in support of teammate and linebacker Anthony Hitchens, who got into a back-and-forth on social media with the team's fans over an Instagram post which criticized Kansas City general manager Brett Veach. Hitchens countered that Veach's guidance and roster moves has gotten the team to three straight AFC Championship Games and two straight Super Bowls, winning one, ending with "y'all fans can never be satisfied its sad!!"

My take: It's never a good idea for an athlete to take on the fan base, particularly on social media, which should all carry the banner "Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate." Shout out to my Dante peeps. — Bob

ANDERSON, FOUR RELIEVERS
BLANK HOUSTON IN GAME 3

Friday, October 29: Braves starter Ian Anderson pitched five no-hit innings and four relievers combined to allow just two hits in a 2-0 win over the Astros Friday night at Truist Park in Atlanta, takind a two games to one lead in the World Series. Houston managed just two singles — pinch hitter Aledmys Diaz broke up the no hitter with a flare in the top of the eighth. 

The Braves didn't smash the cover off the ball either, but pushed across a run in the third on an Austin Riley double, and catcher Travis D'Arnaud added a solo home run for insurance in the eighth.

My take: It's not to everyone's liking, but I love a pitcher's dual. It was a well-played game and there was plenty of drama with a close game throughout, and the potential of a no-hitter. — Bob

JETS GM GETS NO CONSEQUENCES
FROM NHL ON ALDRICH MATTER

Friday, October 29: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff met with National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman Friday and immediately after was determined "not responsible" in the Blackhawks decisions in 2010 to ignore the sexual abuse of player Kyle Beach by video coach Brad Aldrich and, as such, should not face any consequences.

Bettman released a statement absolving Cheveldayoff becasue he "was not a member of the Blackhawks senior leadership team," further stating that his position as assistant general manager "was the lowest ranking Club official in the (May 23, 2010 meeting), and his position included no oversight responsibilities over the Club’s coaching staff." Furthermore, his position "not only left him without authority to make appropriate organizational decisions relating to this matter, but as importantly, he was not thereafter even in a position to have sufficient information to assess whether or not the matter was being adequately addressed by the Blackhawks."

In other news Friday, Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz sent a letter to the Naitonal Hockey League requesting Aldrich's name be x-ed out of the Stanley Cup.

My take: Bettman said he found Cheveldayoff credible in the meeting, an interesting decision considering Cheveldayoff lied about knowing anything about the incident until this summer, when the media reported it. Bettman's claim that as the lowest ranking club official in the meeting absolved Cheveldayoff of any responsibility is utter bullsh**. He was an assistant GM. It doesn't take rank to object and say "This is wrong." But according to Bettman, it's OK to discover that one of the team's players made an allegation of sexual assault and an assistant GM sat quiet while others decided to ignore it. You do you, Gary. — Bob

QUENNEVILLE OUT IN FLORIDA
OVER SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL

Thursday, October 28: Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville resigned Thursday, hours after meeting with National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman about his involvement in the sexual abuse allegations made against Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoff run. Quenneville was joined in his meeting with Bettman by Panthers general manager Bill Zito and team president Matthew Caldwell. It was reported the meeting lasted two hours.

Quenneville was the head coach in Chicago at the time and an independent report had former team president Stan Bowman, who resigned from the organization Tuesday, stating that Quenneville said in a May 23, 2010 meeting that the team had come too far in the season and playoffs to disrupt "team chemistry" over the allegations. Quenneville since twice denied knowing anything about the sexual assault allegations, affirming this summer and just this week that he was hearing about them for the first time from media reports.

The Panthers have not yet named an interim head coach. Undefeated Florida's next game is Friday night at Detroit. ESPN analyst Kevin Weekes claims that fellow analyst and former Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella is in line for the job as a permanent replacement. Appearing on ESPN's "The Point" Thursday night, Tortorella called the 2010 Blackhawks regime to task, stating "If this was your 20-year-old kid, would your decision have been different?" before adding his disbelief that no one in the organization had the courage to do the right thing:

My take: Like Jon Gruden, Quenneville's disgusting behavior was rewarded with an easy way out instead of being terminated for cause. Torts is absolutely right in his comments, and as more is known it is beyond disgusting how nothing was done, to the point that Aldrich was allowed to continue in his position, celebrate the Cup victory with the team, and have his day with the Stanley Cup — all at the expense of one of his victims, Kyle Beach. Hopefully, this spurs a true culture shift in the game. This tone-deaf quote yesterday by Jonathan Toews proves there's a long way to go. — Bob

MANAGER MELVIN MOVES
FROM A'S TO PADRES

Thursday, October 28: Bob Melvin is heading down the I-5 to manage the Padres, leaving the Athletics after 11 seasons. Oakland, operating under financial pressures, allowed Melvin to interview, freeing up $4 million in payroll with his move to San Diego.

Melvin, 60, has agreed to a new three-year deal — financial terms have yet to be disclosed. The Padres fired Jayce Tingler on October 6, after failing to make the postseason following a second-half collapse when the team went from 18 games over .500 to a losing season in six weeks.

Melvin, working with limited payroll in Oakland, made the postseason three times, most recently in 2020. He has a career 1,346-1,272 record over 18 seasons with the Mariners, Diamondbacks, and A's.

My take: This is a great hire for the Padres. Melvin's been very successful and his experience is what the team needs to manage a talented roster and remain consistently competitive in a very difficult division. — Bob

NFL DOUBLES 'ROONEY
RULE' REQUIREMENT

Thursday, October 28: The National Football League announced Thursday that it is requiring two interviews for external minority candidates for open coordinator positions, general manger, and football operations roles, double the previous requirement and now equal to the head coach interview mandate. One of the two interviews must be in person.

The new initiative is an attempt to " ... ensure the pipeline is strong with minority coaches ... and everyone gets an opportunity, a look," said Jonathan Beane, the NFL's chief diversity and inclusion officer.

The league promised action after a review of the Rooney Rule last season revealed that it had not sufficiently impacted minority hiring among head coaches and front-office personnel.

My take: Requiring one in-person interview might help, but this will do little, however well-intentioned. Most teams know exactly who they want to hire — generally a failed retread — before scheduling interviews. — Bob

WATT'S SEASON MAY
END WITH INJURY

Thursday, October 28: The undefeated Cardinals are suffering a loss on the field. Defensive end J.J. Watt is likely done for the season with a shoulder injury that will require surgery. According to the team, Watt suffered the injury in the second quarter of Sunday's victory over the Texans, though he played and finished the game.

A susequent MRI showed the full extent of the damage and Watt is not expected to recover in time to finish out the year. Watt's career has been marred by injuries recently, playing only two full seasons since 2015, and eight games or fewer in the others.

The 32-year-old, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is in his first season with Arizona after 10 with the Texans. He has played 341 defensive snaps through seven games in 2021, registering 16 tackles — five for a loss — one sack, one forced fumble and two passes defensed. He has one-year remaining on a two-year, $28-million contract. 

My take: Watt wasn't hyper-productive on the field this year, but still was disruptive with penetration and setting the edge. This is a bigger loss — with intangibles too — than it appears on paper. — Bob

INGRAM BACK IN THE 'BIG EASY' 
AFTER TEXANS TRADE

Wednesday, October 27: Running back Mark ingram is headed back to the Saints, where he played the first eight years of his career, after New Orleans orchestrated a trade with the Texans, according to multiple reports. Ingram needs to pass a physical before the deal is official. The Texans are expected to get two late-round draft picks in return.

Ingram paired with Alvin Kamara in 2017, Kamara's rookie year, to have one of the great seasons of a backfield duo in National Football League history — each player had over 1,500 total yards and each went to the Pro Bowl.

Ingram, 31, joined the Ravens in 2019 as a free agent and had a Pro Bowl season. He was released by Baltimore in a salary-cap move this last offseason and signed a one-year, $3-million deal with Houston. In seven games this season, Ingram has 92 carries for 294 yards and one touchdown, adding seven receptions for 24 yards.

My take: Ingram walks into an offense he knows front to back — one which will actually use him — giving the Saints instant value and someone reliable to spell Kamara, who's getting about 25 touches per game. The Texans? I'm not sure what they're about, but to paraphrase Branch Rickey's line about Ralph Kiner, they can't be any worse without Ingram.

ONE 'JOHN DOE' REVEALED
AS BEACH COMES FORWARD

Wednesday, October 27: Former Blackhawks player Kyle Beach came forward Wednesday and revealed that he is one of the "John Doe" players who alleged sexual abuse against the team's former video coach, Brad Aldrich, in 2010.

Beach offered some new specifics: He was 20 years old at the time, playing for Chicago's AHL affiliate Rockford IceHogs. He was called up to the team to be a Black Ace reserve player during the team's 2010 Stanley Cup run. He revealed in a TSN interview Wednesday that he first informed skills coach Paul Vincent about what happened, and that Vincent immediately reported the alleged abuse to the front office, which did nothing, allowing Aldrich to continue in his capacity as video coach through the Stanley Cup playoffs, after which Aldrich resigned. 

Daily struggles followed for Beach and left him "feeling like nothing," claiming that mental skills coach James "Doc" Gary told Beach it was his own fault: "And that's also what Doc Gary told me, that it was my fault because I put myself in that situation. And the combination of these and [Aldrich] being paraded around, then letting him take the Stanley Cup to a high school with kids after they knew what had happened."

Beach, now 31 and playing in Germany, felt he did not get any support as news of his allegation made its way through to the top of the organization. He credited Vincent for sticking by him all these years — Vincent cooperated fully with the independent investigator and corroborated Beach's account. 

Saying he feels "relief and vindication," Beach claims he is ready to move forward with his life and career, and he is glad he came forward over the summer to renew the allegation. 

My take: Ignoring sexual abuse allegations so you don't have to make a change with the video coach during a Stanley Cup run is about as gross as it gets, made worse by taking Aldrich's resignation after his day with the Cup. With Beach coming forward, I wouldn't be shocked to see Aldrich the subject of more allegations. Like Larry Nassar, no way this was just something that happened twice. — Bob

KUCHEROV OUT LONG
TERM AFTER SURGERY

Wednesday, October 27: Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov will miss 8-10 weeks after surgery for an undisclosed lower-body injury. Kucherov qualifies for Long-Term Injured Reserve, but Tampa Bay has yet to make that transaction.

Kucherov, 28, has not played since leaving an October 16 game against the Capitals, In parts of three games, he had one goal and three assists. He is now likely out until at least after the holiday break, December 28 at home against the Canadiens. If he returns in the prognosis timeline, he will be ready in time for the Olympics.

My take: The LTIR conspiracy theorists can take a breath now — Kucherov will be back well before the playoffs and a repeat of last season's (inside the rules) cap maneuver is not in the offing. Also like last season, the team should be just fine in his absence. — Bob

MORTON OUT FOR SERIES
AFTER BREAKING LEG

Wednesday, October 27: Charlie Morton is out for the remainder of the World Series after suffering a broken right fibula during Game 1 of the 2021 World Series, a 6-2 win over the Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Morton, 37, started and yielded only one hit to the Astros in 2.1 innings, but came up lame after striking out Jose Altuve — for the second time in the game  — to start the third inning:

Postgame the Braves announced the extent of the injury, perhaps related to Morton getting hit by a batted ball in the second inning. They expect Morton to be ready for spring training. Southpaw A.J. Minter came on in relief and pitched 2.2 innings of one-run ball to earn the win. 

The Braves put up five runs on Astros starter Framber Valdez in two innings pitched, including two home runs — one by outfielder Adam Duvall and one by designated hitter Jorge Soler, who became the first player in history to lead off a World Series with a home run.

My take: Tough luck for Morton. His stuff was capital-n Nasty and he made Altuve look stupid with curveballs to close out each strikeout. It's a tough loss for the Braves, too, moving forward. Minter saved their bacon by getting them through five to save the bullpen ahead of Wednesday's Game 2, but Atlanta has to do some starter math to figure out who gets Game 5. — Bob

BLACKHAWKS' SEXUAL ABUSE
REPORT RELEASED, TWO RESIGNATIONS

Tuesday, October 26: Blackhawks president of hockey operations Stan Bowman and senior director of hockey administration Al MacIsaac resigned Tuesday, after a report was released on the sexual abuse of two Blackhawks players by former video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010. It was determined that Bowman and MacIsaac knew of the abuse allegations at the time and did not alert authorities. Bowman also resigned as the general manager for Team USA's men's team for the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing, China. No replacement has been named.

The National Hockey League fined the Blackhawks organization $2 million, half of which will go got charities that support victims of sexual abuse and assault. Chicago, which commissioned the independent investigation after the allegations became known over the summer, stated "It is clear the organization and its executives at that time did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents."

Current Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville were each named in the report — both were employed by the Blackhawks at the time — but were not directly implicated, though they are alleged to have taken part in an organizational meeting two weeks after allegations were made in 2010. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said he intends to meet individually with Cheveldayoff and Quenneville to discuss the situation.

My take: The report seems comprehensive and it's not altogether shocking, know what is known of hockey culture, that this was covered up. Shame on those who did, though, and hopefully this brings some closure to the two "John Doe" victims. — Bob

METS SEARCH FOR NEW EXEC
FUTILE AFTER LATEST REBUKE

Tuesday, October 26: The Mets received another rejection from a baseball executive as every potential candidate has refused to interview, been permitted to interview or rejected an opportunity to become the franchises' new president of baseball operations, a position currently held by Sandy Alderson.

The list of candidates considered is a veritable who's who of the industry: Giants general manager Scott Harris, MLB consultant Theo Epstein, Athletics Executive VP Billy Beane, and the Brewers' president of baseball ops David Stearns.

New York had a difficult year under new owner Steve Cohen, as multiple occurrences of workplace sexual misconduct came to light, predating Cohen's ownership, which resulted in the firing of front office personnel, new and old.  

My take: I grew up next door to a guy who was a big Mets fan. Knew everything there was to know about them. He checks all the boxes — he's a former judge and successful attorney now — so Greg, if by some odd chance you're reading this, your team needs you. Maybe their only hope at this stage. — Bob 

FLACCO A JET AGAIN AFTER
TRADE WITH EAGLES

Monday, October 25: The Jets acquired quarterback Joe Flacco from the Eagles Monday for a conditional sixth-round pick — the pick can be upgraded to a fifth-rounder, depending on Flacco's playing time. 

New York lost rookie quarterback Zach Wilson to a knee injury early in Sunday's loss to the Patriots. An MRI confirmed Monday that he will miss up to four weeks with an MCL sprain. Wilson has started every game for the Jets this season. He was replaced Sunday by backup Mike White.

Flacco played in four games for the Jets last season in place of injured Sam Darnold, but joined the Eagles as a free agent this offseason to serve as backup to Jalen Hurts after Carson Wentz was traded to the Colts. He has not played a down this season. Gardner Minshew II was elevated from third string to serve as Hurts' backup after Monday's trade.

My take: A smart move by New York, but futile all the same. Flacco, with his experience, will be an immediate upgrade but is unlikely to make a larger diffrence. He will, however, help Wilson in the film room and on the sidelines — somehting the Jets shoudl have done with a quality veteran QB in the preseason. — Bob

BUCS FAN GETS A LOT 
FOR ACCIDENTAL GIFT

Monday, October 25: Mike Evans had no idea that he had caught Tom Brady's 600th career touchdown pass Sunday and gave the ball to a fan in the stands. The Buccaneers agreed to compensate the fan, giving him a different ball from the game. Now, the full compensation for it has been reported, and it's a large haul:

My take: This is like a lottery win. Allegedly, the fan's only original request was around of golf with Brady, but he'll just have to manage with all that other stuff, I suppose ... and add Evans to his Christmas card list. — Bob

NFL SUNDAY RECAP:
SNOOZE, YOU LOSE

Monday, October 25: The Steelers had their bye week, along with five other teams, but several teams that took the field in Week 7 played as if they had the weekend off — four scored five or fewer points and the cumulative margin of victory of the day's 11 games was 361-141.

• Bengals 41, Ravens 17: The Bungles have graduated to ferocious Bengals once again. Joe Burrow made a statement — on the road, no less — that he is the best quarterback in the AFC North, outshining former MVP Lamar Jackson by throwing for 416 yards and three touchdowns, nearly half of those yards going to former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase, who had 8 catches for 201 yards and an 82-yard catch-and-run. Cincinnati's defense, meanwhile, sacked Jackson five times and held him to under a 50-percent completion percentage. The Bengals (5-2) would be the No. 1 seed if the AFC playoffs started tomorrow, while the Ravens, who entered the game with that distinction, fall to 5-2. AFC North = best division in the conference — the last place Steelers are .500.
• Falcons 30, Dolphins 28: The Falcons appeared to use last week's bye to perfect their fourth-quarter collapses, something they executed brilliantly against the Dolphins, surrendering a 13-point lead, but recovered in time to kick a last-second, 36-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo for the win. Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts finally played like the fourth-overall pick in the draft, netting 163 yards on seven catches and Matt Ryan threw for 336 yards, 2 TDs and a pick. Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa tried to stave off Deshaun Watson trade rumors by going 30-42 for 294 yards and 4 TDs, though his 2 INTs were costly. Somehow the Falcons (3-3) are .500, while the Dolphins (1-6) can skip their own game tape and start scouting for a top-3 pick in the 2022 draft.
• Colts 30, 49ers 18: These two teams played in a downpour throughout and their seven combined fumbles were proof of a sloppy game that was a battle of attrition until the Colts pulled away in the fourth quarter. It came down to quarterback play, with Carson Wentz getting the better of Jimmy Garoppolo. Wentz had only one turnover — a lost fumble — threw two touchdown passes and ran for a third; Garoppolo threw two picks and lost a fumble, offset by only one TD pass. The Colts move to 3-4 after an 0-3 start, while the Niners now languish in the NFC West basement at 2-4.
• Titans 27, Chiefs 3: The two-time defending conference champ Chiefs are in freefall. After seeming to right the ship against Washington last week, they were thoroughly manhandled by the Titans, who were coming off an impressive victory over the Bills. Kansas City (3-4) even lost quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the fourth quarter on an ugly, accidental hit to the head — he was later cleared in concussion protocol. Tennessee (5-2) couldn't get Derrick Henry going on the ground (29 carries, 86 yards) so they had him throw a touchdown pass instead — Mike Vrabel must have him on his fantasy team. Andy Reid's fantasy is for his defense to stop giving up 27 points per game. Good luck with that.
• Rams 28, Lions 19: Jared Goff had visions of winning the Matthew Stafford trade, at least for one weekend, taking a 19-17 lead into the fourth quarter, but Stafford threw for 334 yards and 3 TDs — two to Cooper Kupp, who had 156 yards receiving — while Goff threw a red-zone interception late in the fourth quarter, down six points, the type of throw that hastened his exit from L.A. The Lions remain winless (0-7) despite a spirited effort, while the Rams (6-1) are still in ... second place?
• Cardinals 31, Texans 5: The Texans led this game 5-0 after the first inning, played some inspired defense for a quarter, then were systematically savaged by Arizona (7-0), the last undefeated team in the NFL. Old friend James Conner had 64 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown, his sixth in seven games. Houston (1-6) continues to send out a character by the name of Davis Mills at QB — clearly a stage name, as he performs like an actor (22-32,135 yds., lost fumble). Kyler Murray continues on an MVP pace, with 261 yards and 3 TD passes (116.8 passer rating in 2021). Let's see how he does against the reigning MVP Thursday night when they host the Packers. The Texans should host an open tryout for quarterback. Duck Hodges, anyone?
• Packers 24, Washington 10: Aaron Rodgers had a nice warmup for this Thursday's game, but made no claim to "fu**ing own" Washington (2-5), though he could have with his 274 passing yards and three TDs. QB Taylor Heinicke did his level best to keep Washington in this one, but unfortunately his level is about two turnovers per week (1 INT, 1 fumble in this one). He did account for 363 of Washington's 430 total yards, including 95 yards rushing, but its rarely a good sign when a QB not named Lamar Jackson leads the team in rushing. How long again until Ryan Fitzpatrick is back? Fitz-magic eventually turns into Fitz-tragic, but it has to be better than this, right?
• Raiders 33, Eagles 22: Derek Carr had only three incompletions — one an interception — on 34 pass attempts, totaling 324 yards and 2 TDs as Las Vegas (5-2) had its second consecutive strong outing since the resignation of Jon Gruden. No correlation, I'm sure. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, on the other hand, well ... he led the team in rushing, so ... yeah. Also, he lost a fumble against two TD passes — one in junk time. The good news? Philadelphia (2-5) is tied for second place is the NFC Least. The bad? That's already 3.5 games behind the idle Cowboys (5-1).
• Buccaneers 38, Bears 3: Tom Brady threw his 600th career touchdown pass, then added two more for four total on the day — all in the first half — in a relentless rout of the Bears. Three went to Chris Evans on a day they were without AB and Gronk. Chicago quarterback Justin Fields did not lead his team in rushing because he was too busy turning the ball over, with three INTs and two fumbles lost. Somehow his performance did not warrant a benching in favor of Andy Dalton — I'm not sure if that's an indictment of Dalton or head coach Matt Nagy. Chicago (3-4) is now three full games back of the Pack in the NFC North, while Tampa Bay (6-1) continues on cruise control in the South.

We've now reached everyone's favorite section, the New York teams from New Jersey portion of the program:
• Giants 25, Panthers 3: This game was 5-3 Giants at the half. 'Nuff said. Sam Darnold is bad. He was benched against the Giants in favor of P.J. Walker, who led the XFL in passing yards in 2020, then showed the quality of that league by going 3 of 14 for 33 yards ... against the Giants. Together they managed 173 total yards as Carolina (3-4) lost their fourth in a row. Head coach Matt Rhule said postgame that Darnold is still QB1, despite being benched. What exactly is his other option? New York (2-5) managed only 302 yards of offense in 34:35 of possession against a team that managed a field goal. But they're now in second place in the division, just like everyone else not named the Cowboys.
• Patriots 54, Jets 13: The Jets gave up over 50 points in a game for the first time since Bubby Brister backed up Boomer Esiason. Pats QB Mac Jones got to once again feel what it was like to face an FCS opponent while at Alabama, making the most of the opportunity with 307 yards and 2 TDs. New York (1-5) lost not only its dignity, but rookie quarterback Zach Wilson to a knee injury in the first quarter, which will require an MRI to fully diagnose. Journeyman backup Mike White subbed and had a TD pass and two picks, so not much was lost in the exchange. New England (3-4) keeps scrapping, now second to the Bills (4-2) in the AFC Least.

— Bob